Afghan Peace Talks Accomplish Little

Afghanistan's factions gathered on Monday for a UN-sponsored peace talk which took place in Uzebekistan's capital, Tashkent.

The Taliban and its opposition forces met with several other representatives from the U.S., Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, Uzebekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. The Taliban, which governs 90% of Afghanistan, is accused of many human rights abuses and of instituting policies of gender apartheid.

The talks focused on "establishing a six-week cease-fire, exchanging prisoners of war, and opening roads for trade and humanitarian aid." However, both sides only agreed to not block humanitarian aid in the other's territory